Galvanized Plumbing FAQs

Please see the detailed minimizing your exposure to lead section of our website or download or How to Minimize Lead Exposure Brochure.

Galvanized iron pipes are actually steel pipes that are covered with a protective layer of zinc that were installed in many homes that were built before the 1960s.

 

Homes that have galvanized pipes and have, or had, lead service lines are at risk for the release of lead in water from corroded pipes. Galvanized iron pipes can accumulate lead that is released from lead service lines. As galvanized pipes corrode and form rust, lead that is accumulated over decades is likely to be found deep in the interior walls of rusty pipes. Lead in galvanized iron home plumbing can periodically contribute to lead in drinking water.

The only way to ensure that lead is not mobilized from plumbing to tap in a given home is to fully replace the galvanized plumbing and lead service lines. Galvanized pipes may continue to serve as a lead source in drinking water long after all other sources of lead have been removed, including lead service lines and fixtures.

Our Guide to Household Plumbing can help you to identify galvanized pipes. You can also contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

The only way to fully ensure that lead is not mobilized from galvanized plumbing in a home is to fully replace the galvanized plumbing.  

If you have or had lead service lines and have galvanized pipes, it is likely lead is only periodically released in the water and a single lead test may not be an effective tool in identifying actual lead levels. However, you can have your water tested for lead for free by calling our Water Quality Division at 202-612-3440 or emailing leadtest@dcwater.com.

 

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway
Scaffolding Installation Begins near Watergate Complex for Potomac River Tunnel Project

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

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Upcoming Meeting
Date
October 16, 2025
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.